Quatrefoil Stencils (2 Styles)

Clear coat or wax your piece and allow to dry. This will allow you to wipe the stencil off easily without damaging your paint if you make a mistake.

I use a tape measure to determine placement of my stencils.

When you've got it positioned where you want it, tape down your stencil with painter's tape.

Paint a layer of the background color over the stencil. If I'm feeling really insecure, after that dries I follow it with either another coat of paint or a coat of clear coat. This prevents almost ALL bleed through. On one occasion it did pull up a bit of the paint from around the stencil area where it pushed under the stencil. This was easily touched up.

Decant some paint and if thin, allow to thicken for a few minutes. Thicker paint is less likely to bleed under the stencil.

Dip your stippling brush or sponge into the paint. Swirl it around (as though stippling/swirling) on a paper towel, brown paper, or your plate. Using the same method you'll stipple or swirl with, pounce in clean areas until most of the paint is off.

The aim is many thin coats vs. 1 thick coat to achieve the desired coverage.

Hold your brush at a 90 degree angle (straight up) to the stencil and swirl or stipple. Work your way across the stencil replenishing your paint when necessary.

When you've finished, gently peel one end of the stencil back to check that you've got the coverage you are looking for.

Small amounts of bleed can be gently wiped away with a damp Q-tip. If you're unhappy with the result, wipe the areas you're unhappy with using a moist towel or a wet wipe and allow to dry before you try again. I tend to use a fine brush and paint the background color to tidy up the edges.

When you're happy with your stencil, remove it and leave it to dry (for dark colors, especially graphite, I'd leave overnight). When dry seal with wax or clear coat.

Wipe stencils clean afterwards. Place stencil on a piece of paper towel, and wipe with a wet wipe.